By PERPETUAL SICHIKWENKWE and JAMES KUNDA –
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has been treated for malaria and fatigue, while doctors have advised him to take some rest.
Meanwhile, President Lungu has said he is feeling much better and the nation should not worry.
Mr Lungu told journalists at Maina Soko military hospital yesterday that doctors had conducted tests on him and found traces of malaria while carrying out further investigations.
“Doctors have done tests and found traces of malaria. They are still carrying out further tests and will advise on the way forward before the end of the day. I am looking forward to going home” Mr Lungu said.

• PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu with First Lady Esther in the V.I.P ward at Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka yesterday. Picture By SALIM HENRY.

Mr Lungu was yesterday forced to take leave from the International Women’s Day celebrations held at the Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka.
The Head of State excused himself from the event and delegated his authority to Gender Minister Nkandu Luo, who took charge of proceedings.
Special Assistant to the President for Press and public relations Amos Chanda said in a statement that Mr Lungu underwent comprehensive medical check-ups which revealed that he was suffering from malaria and fatigue.
“Doctors detected high levels of fatigue, while after a snap test in the holding room, traces of malaria were detected.Doctors at Maina Soko Military Hospital conducted comprehensive medical check-ups and observed the President and the results are good.

“The President is being treated for malaria and fatigue and has been advised to take some rest,” Mr Chanda said yesterday.

Last Friday, President Lungu officiated at the launch of first Republican president Kenneth Kaunda’s re-launch of the book Zambia Shall Be Free from 19:00 hours to 23:20 hours.
On Saturday, the Head of State chaired the Patriotic Front (PF) Central Committee meeting from 09:00 hours to 18:00 hours and later met party provincial officials and afterwards, chiefs.
Meanwhile, Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) President Aaron Mujajati has commended Mr Lungu for being transparent about his health.
Dr Mujajati said Mr Lungu was a citizen and human being and that falling sick was normal.
He said Mr Lungu had set a good precedent of a President being open about his health and that just after assuming office, he did a routine medical checkup and was open about his health.